Is Lena broom good for the Colorado Front Range?

Yes, Lena broom is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.

How far apart do I plant Lena broom?

Space Lena broom about 5 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 4 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.

Is Lena broom hardy on the Front Range?

Lena broom is hardy in USDA 5–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is at its cold edge here. Site it in a warm microclimate and protect young plants.

How much water does Lena broom need?

It needs low to medium water once established.

How fast does Lena broom grow?

Lena broom is a moderate-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.

Is Lena broom native to Colorado?

No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.

Is Lena broom deer-resistant?

Lena broom is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.

Is Lena broom a Plant Select® winner?

Yes. Lena broom is in Plant Select®, the plant-recommendation program run by Colorado State University and Denver Botanic Gardens to highlight plants that thrive in the region.

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Lena broom

Cytisus 'Lena'

Compiled by Nicholas Julia · Reviewed against CSU Extension & Plant Select® · Updated 2026-09-11

Lena broom (Cytisus 'Lena') is a shrub suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 3–5 ft tall and 3–5 ft wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Bicolor red-and-yellow blooms. Compact, well-behaved alternative to invasive Scotch broom species.

low to medium water3–5 ft tall and 3–5 ft wideXeric / water-wisePlant Select®Deer-resistant

Photos

Photo 1: "Cytisus scoparius 002" by Willow is licensed under CC BY 2.5. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5/.
Photo 2: "Cytisus scoparius 0001" by H. Zell is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/.
Photo 3: "XN Cytisus scoparius 00" by Guido Gerding is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/.
Photo 4: "Cytisus scoparius jfg1" by The original uploader was Jeffdelonge at French Wikipedia. is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/.
Photo 5: "Besenginster (Cytisus scoparius)" by blumenbiene is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/.
Photo 6: "Besenginster (Cytisus scoparius)" by blumenbiene is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/.

At a glance

Will it survive here?

Hardiness zones: USDA 5–8
Water needs: low to medium water
Sun: Best in full sun.
Soil: sandy, loam, well drained only
Soil pH: 6.0–8.0
Hail tolerance: moderate
Wind tolerance: moderate
Salt tolerance: moderate

How big, what shape?

Mature size: 3–5 ft tall and 3–5 ft wide
Planting spacing: ~5 ft apart (4 ft for a hedge/screen)
Growth rate: Moderate

What it looks like, and when

Bloom time: late spring, early summer
Bloom color: yellow, red
Foliage: Deciduous

Who else benefits

Pollinator value: high
Deer: Generally deer-resistant
Colorado native: No

Planting & establishment

Water weekly first summer. Don't over-water, wet feet are fatal.

Frequently asked questions

Is Lena broom good for the Colorado Front Range?: Yes, Lena broom is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.
How big does Lena broom get?: It matures to about 3–5 ft tall and 3–5 ft wide.
How far apart do I plant Lena broom?: Space Lena broom about 5 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 4 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.
Is Lena broom hardy on the Front Range?: Lena broom is hardy in USDA 5–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is at its cold edge here. Site it in a warm microclimate and protect young plants.
How much water does Lena broom need?: It needs low to medium water once established.
How fast does Lena broom grow?: Lena broom is a moderate-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
Is Lena broom native to Colorado?: No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
Is Lena broom deer-resistant?: Lena broom is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
Is Lena broom a Plant Select® winner?: Yes. Lena broom is in Plant Select®, the plant-recommendation program run by Colorado State University and Denver Botanic Gardens to highlight plants that thrive in the region.